Scatter the Rice Clouds

Scatter the Rice Clouds has been written and illustrated by Samanda N Pyngrope. This book was published by Sauramandala Foundation, Meghalaya, as part of The Forgotten Folklore Project (TFFP) which brings to life 65 stories from communities in Meghalaya and other northeastern states of India. The story books, developed in collaboration with local artists, aim to contribute to early childhood education and disseminate knowledge on local nature, culture, foods, garments, kitchens, and more.

In the story, siblings Iba and Bor are left to their own devices while the elders work in the rice fields. Their mischievous cat, Kemnai, suddenly darts off towards a nearby shed just as dark storm clouds begin to gather. Curious and concerned, the children follow, only to be swept into an unexpected adventure. Amidst a series of playful mishaps and the growing storm, they stumble upon the magic of creating rice clouds — a discovery that reveals the quiet beauty hidden in everyday moments. 

The children live in a village with lush forests and paddy fields. In the story, their uncle, Mama, asks for the children’s help in saving rice from the rain. The children eagerly assist, and as they wait for the storm to pass, they become interested in the items around them. Mama demonstrates how to pound rice using traditional tools like synrei and thlong. The children are fascinated by the rhythm of the process and the grains dancing in the mortar.

Suddenly, Kemnai jumps onto a tray and scatters rice around the shed. Though initially alarmed, the children and Mama are soon amused when Bor points out how the scattered rice resembles clouds. Mama laughs, calling them “rice clouds” — unique patterns created by a cat's paws. As the real storm clouds begin to clear, a rainbow spreads across the sky, mirroring the joy inside the shed.

The 23-page book is full of evocative watercolour illustrations and available in English, Khasi, Pnar, Garo, Tamil – with more translations to come on Storyweaver by Pratham Books.

Focus by Aseema.